Current mood:

cheerful

Thanksgiving without Family
Because we went to Los Cabos, Mexico last week for a 5-day vacation (which we'll post about later), we decided it would be best to stay in San Diego for Thanksgiving.  This is the first time we haven't been with family.  We were a little nervous we were going to end up all by ourselves.  We had asked a bunch of people if they wanted to come over, but everyone already had plans.  So, the Sunday before we left, we were asking people at church to come over and the pianist from the choir (Dan) invited us over instead.  It was the first invitation we had gotten...which was a little upsetting since we had a few other people we thought might invite us over.  But, we were happy about the invitation.  The only problem...we know Dan pretty well, but we don't really know Alex (his wife) at all and we've never really done anything social with them.  Also, we knew they were going to have a bunch of family in town, so we were the only non-family members there. 

As our contribution Chip made a homemade lemon merangue (sp?) pie (he had made a homemade apple pie the night before to take for our social after church).  And, I decided since they were so gracious to invite us, I would buy them a bouquet of flowers.  So, we arrive and we are the ONLY non-family there, but they welcomed us with open arms.  Alex's parents were a lot of fun (they're from the Ukraine) and her Dad told a bunch of stories.  We also got along really well with Dan's sister, brother-in-law, and brother.  Then, Alex's cousin and his wife also came.  But, we had a really good time.  There wasn't nearly as much awkwardness as I thought there might be (Chip claims he wasn't worried), but they had great food and everyone raved about the pie.  So, all-in-all, our first Thanksgiving in San Diego without family was a success.

Friday morning we took a 6-mile hike up a moutain in east county with 2 other people from YAG.  It was nice, but I was pretty soar afterwards.  Then, I worked on Christmas cards and Chip worked on some other stuff. 
Saturday, we spent cleaning, running errands (which wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it might be...Wal-Mart wasn't anymore crowded than usual), and we decorated the apartment.

Today, we're working out, grocery shopping, and going to church.  But, after yesterday I realized every Friday and Saturday has some event until we go home for Christmas.  Not to mention I have 3 major projects due, an exam, and finishing up the liturgical ministers schedule for church.  So, we're going to be a bit crazy for a few weeks, but it will be nice to be home for Christmas and see everyone.  I hope everyone else had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving!!